Ryan comes to fair 10 years later

GREENVILLE — Ryan Francis made it back to the Great Darke County Fair this year.

It was the first time in 10 years that he has been to a county fair, as he has been serving in the U.S. Air Force. Son of Gary and Susie Francis, his last time at the fair was in 2004.

He arrived here on Wednesday of the fair.

“It was good…busy,” Francis said. “It was nice walking around seeing everybody I have not seen in a long time.”

A former poultry showman, he did express some disappointment in not being able to see the birds at the fair this year.

“I was disappointed there were no chickens or poultry but glad that the kids had other options,” Francis said.

In addition to Wednesday, he also visited the fair on the final Saturday.

He is expected to leave back for his base, Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, today.

He went into the Air Force in September 2004, and plans on staying in the military for another nine years.

“I have served overseas 10 times,” he said. “I was in Qatar eight times and in Afghanistan and Spain and Greece for the Libyan Conflict.” I like it. It’s not bad but I’d rather be deployed than home-stationed.”

His brother, Chris, is also in the Air Force, living with his wife in South Dakota.

“I got to see him in Gulfport, Mississippi, in April,” said Ryan, who rarely gets to spend time with his brother nowadays. “He was there for training where I am, so we got together.”

Linda Moody can be reached by calling direct at 569-4315. Be her friend on Facebook by searching her name. For more features online, go to advocate360.org or “like” The Daily Advocate on Facebook by searching Advocate360

Linda Moody can be reached by calling direct at 569-4315. Be her friend on Facebook by searching her name. For more features online, go to advocate360.org or “like” The Daily Advocate on Facebook by searching Advocate360